In 2017 there were four rule change proposals put forward before the ILCA class membership for vote. All four changes were approved by more than two-thirds of voting members in addition to being approved by the World Council, the Advisory Council and World Sailing, all of which are required in order to modify class rules.

Class Rule Changes Approved

Effective beginning 1 January 2018

1) Electronic Compasses

Rule 22 was changed to allow the use of certain electronic digital compasses that are not GPS Enabled. ILCA will maintain a list of approved compasses on the ILCA website as an interpretation to the Class Rules. This rule change was approved with 81% "Yes" votes.

A new Rule 28 was added to allow the use of cameras while racing. This change was approved with 84% "Yes" votes.

3) Shock cord inhaul attachment

Rule 3(v)vi was amended to read "A shock cord may be used as an inhaul on the clew." This change removes the restriction on where the shock cord can be attached in the inhaul system. This change was approved with 89% "Yes" votes.

4) Cleat in Hiking Strap Control Line

Rule 17(c) was changed to allow the use of one cleat and one turning point in the hiking strap support line. The cleat and turning point must be "free floating" and may not be attached to the hull or the hiking strap. This rule was approved with 81% "Yes" votes.

ILCA has approved several new rule interpretations that are effective immediately. ILCA Rule Interpretations are put in place to clarify existing Class Rules. Many of these interpretations are subsequently proposed as changes to the ILCA Class Rules.

In support of the rule change allowing electronic compasses, ILCA will maintain an online list of approved compasses that meet the requirements of amended Rule 22 Compass, Electronic Equipment and Timing Devices in the interpretations section of the ILCA Class Rules.

2) Control Line Eye Splice

Rule 3(b)ii is interpreted such that the for a control line with a cover and a core, the cover may be removed near the load bearing attachment point for the purpose of making an eye splice.

3) Sail Buttons

The Laser Construction Manual requires that class legal sails must have attached near the tack an ILCA supplied sail button. The Fundamental Rule is interpreted to require that Standard MkII sails must have an orange sail button while Radial, 4.7 and older Standard MkI (cross-cut) sails must have a red sail button. This applies only to sails manufactured after 1 January 2001.

Upcoming Rule Change Proposals

The Technical and Measurement Committee suggested several new rule changes that were approved by the ILCA World Council to go before class members for a vote in 2018. The ILCA office will send out a special announcement in early 2018 with information and voting instructions.

In 2017 there were four rule change proposals put forward before the ILCA class membership for vote. All four changes were approved by more than two-thirds of voting members in addition to being approved by the World Council, the Advisory Council and World Sailing, all of which are required in order to modify class rules.

Class Rule Changes Approved

Effective beginning 1 January 2018

1) Electronic Compasses

Rule 22 was changed to allow the use of certain electronic digital compasses that are not GPS Enabled. ILCA will maintain a list of approved compasses on the ILCA website as an interpretation to the Class Rules. This rule change was approved with 81% "Yes" votes.

A new Rule 28 was added to allow the use of cameras while racing. This change was approved with 84% "Yes" votes.

3) Shock cord inhaul attachment

Rule 3(v)vi was amended to read "A shock cord may be used as an inhaul on the clew." This change removes the restriction on where the shock cord can be attached in the inhaul system. This change was approved with 89% "Yes" votes.

4) Cleat in Hiking Strap Control Line

Rule 17(c) was changed to allow the use of one cleat and one turning point in the hiking strap support line. The cleat and turning point must be "free floating" and may not be attached to the hull or the hiking strap. This rule was approved with 81% "Yes" votes.

ILCA has approved several new rule interpretations that are effective immediately. ILCA Rule Interpretations are put in place to clarify existing Class Rules. Many of these interpretations are subsequently proposed as changes to the ILCA Class Rules.

In support of the rule change allowing electronic compasses, ILCA will maintain an online list of approved compasses that meet the requirements of amended Rule 22 Compass, Electronic Equipment and Timing Devices in the interpretations section of the ILCA Class Rules.

2) Control Line Eye Splice

Rule 3(b)ii is interpreted such that the for a control line with a cover and a core, the cover may be removed near the load bearing attachment point for the purpose of making an eye splice.

3) Sail Buttons

The Laser Construction Manual requires that class legal sails must have attached near the tack an ILCA supplied sail button. The Fundamental Rule is interpreted to require that Standard MkII sails must have an orange sail button while Radial, 4.7 and older Standard MkI (cross-cut) sails must have a red sail button. This applies only to sails manufactured after 1 January 2001.

Upcoming Rule Change Proposals

The Technical and Measurement Committee suggested several new rule changes that were approved by the ILCA World Council to go before class members for a vote in 2018. The ILCA office will send out a special announcement in early 2018 with information and voting instructions.